Mikey's Millions

[HoosierCat]

If profootballtalk.com is right...are we set up or what??? (emphasis added) Browns are in good shape too, Ravens not bad...Pitt on the brink...

CAP COULD MOVE TO $95 MILLION

Early word is that the official cap number for 2006 will land somewhere between $92 million and $95 million per team, up from $85 million this year and higher than the previously anticipated range of $89 million to $90 million.

Even at $95 million, several teams need to trim more than $20 million in 2006 payroll. The Jets and Raiders each exceed $120 million, and the Broncos have more than $118 million committed to next season.

The Chiefs are at $114 million, and the Redskins are at $112 million.

Despite a serious purge in 2005, the Titans are at $102 million.

The Falcons are a hair under $102 million, and the Bucs are at $100 million.

The other teams currently north of the anticipated spending limit are the Fins ($97 million) and the Steelers ($96 million).

At the other end of the spectrum, the Browns are at only $61 million and the Cardinals are at $62 million. The Vikings are at $68 million, giving them yet another offseason with more than $20 million on hand in an effort to upgrade the roster.

The Packers are $70 million and the Bengals are at $71 million.

At $71 million, the Seahawks have plenty of room to sign running back Shaun Alexander, if they so choose.

The Chargers also are at $71 million, which means they can keep both Drew Brees and Philip Rivers, if they so choose.

The Niners are at $74 million, and the Bears and Jags are at $75 million.

The folks within $20 million of the expected cap are as follows: Rams ($76 million); Ravens ($77 million); Texans ($78 million); Saints ($82 million); Bills ($82 million); Lions ($83 million); Eagles ($85 million); Giants ($89 million); Cowboys ($90 million); Pats ($92 million); Colts ($92 million); and Panthers ($93 million).

[steelwarrior]

so now, not only are we a old, and not so good football team, we are also in cap heII, Its all that dead money that always comes back to haunt you. well there is always hockey, lol

steelwarrior

[scott91575]

so now, not only are we a old, and not so good football team, we are also in cap heII, Its all that dead money that always comes back to haunt you. well there is always hockey, lol

steelwarrior

The Bengals just got out of dead money hell. We know what it feels like.

[ShulaSteakhouse]

There should be no excuses next to year get that extra big FA or two on defense, and extend a couple of current big name players after the season who have a year left on their current deals I suppose, and still not come close to the cap max.

I hope MB doesn't go cheap on us just because he has a good coach who's had some good drafts, and thinks he doesn't have to do anything else.

[Kazkal]

extend levi,willie,justin,johnson and schobel

[Spain]

Schobel deserves a west coast offense, let the boy go! Sign Hovan and Archuleta draft a te and a gaurd. Take in the later rounds a safety!

[Stripes]

We're already one of the most talented teams in the NFL, and with this much cap space left, we'll get so much better this offseason. If we can land one good free agent at defensive tackle and draft a good safety, we'll be unstoppable in 2006. Then we'll have chance to establish our dynasty after robbing the Colts of Superbowl 40.

[derekshank]

Okay... it's official. With this kind of money I want Hovan (TB), the Ohio native DT who is a great run stopper, and either Chavous (Min) or Archuleta (St.L) at SS. If we do this... and draft a good pass rushing DT like Maholena (that is who most draft experts expect us to get at this point) our defense will be ready to go.

Release Thornton... Robinson can be a passing down DT, and Askew can continue to try to get his act together. This would be a superbowl defense to go with our already proven superbowl offense. Things look good for the future...

Who Dey?!!

[schweinhart]

The player to extend IMO is Steinbach. I believe he's the most valuable player on the O-line, not just as LG but as the backup LT and C. Make him the highest paid guard in the league either late into pre-season or early in the season.

Levi is proly no longer available at second-tier LT money. He's made his case and there's many teams who will fork out money that's close to elite for a proven LT because of the importance of the position. My guess would be the Bengals let him play out his contract then franchise tag him in 2007 if he's gonna ask in the $8 million a year range in the upcoming offseason.

Big Willie's got to decide what he really wants. I don't see the Bengals paying filet mignon price for ground round even if its the best there is. Fact is he's a RT, albeit a Pro Bowler who's showed his commitment and talent throughout the years. But they won't be considering giving him the kind of money Levi will most likely be wanting.

Justin Smith might be a bargain, depending on what advice he gets about the market for his services. He's definitely consistent and solid at DE but nowhere near the elite at his position. He's should be a good player for another 3 or 4 years.

[BlainThePain]

Tank Williams of the Titans will be available after this season. He would be a great option if we can't snag Archuleta. He's 25. He doesn't put up great numbers, but he is a good safety. He also has great size at 6'3" 223 lbs. I doubt Tank will get resigned with the cap situation that the Titans are still in. I'd like to see them do what they always do and just fill in some holes and resign the stars we already have to long term contracts. Sign Steinbach and Jones long term and front load the hell out of their contracts.

[AMC]

Get Levi and Steiney taken care of, then we can pick and choose wisely on YOUNG FA's....

[Kirkendall]

Get Levi and Steiney taken care of, then we can pick and choose wisely on YOUNG FA's....

I agree. We have no lineman signed after the 2006 season. It's time to extend those guys now (or when the supposed free money is available) so they aren't more expensive down the road. The hell with the signing FA defensive guys, we have rookies and sophomore's out the ying-yang starting the front seven and our secondary is the best in the league. We're just a little young on defense with acquisitions via the draft.

After all, with the personnel we have now, we're 9-3. What else do we "need" that we won't get through the team we already have and the drafts that Marvin has impressed the hell out of us with?

[skyline]

Tank Williams of the Titans will be available after this season. He would be a great option if we can't snag Archuleta. He's 25. He doesn't put up great numbers, but he is a good safety. He also has great size at 6'3" 223 lbs. I doubt Tank will get resigned with the cap situation that the Titans are still in. I'd like to see them do what they always do and just fill in some holes and resign the stars we already have to long term contracts. Sign Steinbach and Jones long term and front load the hell out of their contracts.

Titans fans are ready to run Tank out of town due to his performance. He's been a huge disappointment this season.

I don't want him.

[ckj414]

Okay... it's official. With this kind of money I want Hovan (TB), the Ohio native DT who is a great run stopper, and either Chavous (Min) or Archuleta (St.L) at SS. If we do this... and draft a good pass rushing DT like Maholena (that is who most draft experts expect us to get at this point) our defense will be ready to go.

Release Thornton... Robinson can be a passing down DT, and Askew can continue to try to get his act together. This would be a superbowl defense to go with our already proven superbowl offense. Things look good for the future...

Who Dey?!!

Ugh, I don't want Hovan...he's undersized (listed at 295) and I don't think he's ever been a 'run stopper'. He hasn't played very well in Tampa either.

Unfortunately I don't know of any other high-profile DTs that will be on the market next year, and there is virtually no chance a rookie will take the Bengals defense to the next level in 2006...

[AMC]

Get Levi and Steiney taken care of, then we can pick and choose wisely on YOUNG FA's....

I agree. We have no lineman signed after the 2006 season. It's time to extend those guys now (or when the supposed free money is available) so they aren't more expensive down the road. The hell with the signing FA defensive guys, we have rookies and sophomore's out the ying-yang starting the front seven and our secondary is the best in the league. We're just a little young on defense with acquisitions via the draft.

After all, with the personnel we have now, we're 9-3. What else do we "need" that we won't get through the team we already have and the drafts that Marvin has impressed the hell out of us with?

That is it RIGHT THERE! Why go outside and overpay for someone when you are 9-3. Sure you want to improve but Marvin is proving you can and has it set up to improve from within.

[Columbusbengal]

I hope MB doesn't go cheap on us just because he has a good coach who's had some good drafts, and thinks he doesn't have to do anything else.

No reason to think he'll go cheap on players' salaries. That has not really ever been a problem. Mostly, he used to be cheap on other periphery expenses (practice facilities, weight training staff and facilities, food, first class airline seats, going a day early for out-of-town games, etc). Now the next thing is to convince him to get a "bubble." Contrary to what some of you think, Mike Brown wants to win desparately and is thrilled with what Marvin has done. Primarily, he'd like to win the Super Bowl to honor his father. He wanted to do it himself, which is why the Bengals became so bad (he wasn't capable of doing it). Now he is going to be satisfied to win with Marvin and Katie. I predict the Bengals get the "bubble" if they make the playoffs this year (they don't have to win the Super Bowl - just make progress).

Unfortunately I don't know of any other high-profile DTs that will be on the market next year, and there is virtually no chance a rookie will take the Bengals defense to the next level in 2006...

I disagree that the Bengals defense won't improve in 2006 even if they don't sign ANYONE. The young players they have may well continue to improve. Also, I suspect we'll surprise someone (just like the last three or four years) and draft someone who really helps us!

[HoosierCat]

Why go outside and overpay for someone when you are 9-3.

For the same reason the Colts went and threw a boatload of money at Corey Simon. Because sometimes it makes sense; gives you that last piece or two you need. And there is still clearly work to be done on defense in Cincy. Some of that work will no doubt be done with current players (like, hopefully, Askew), some through the draft next April, and some through free agency.

[derekshank]

Okay... it's official. With this kind of money I want Hovan (TB), the Ohio native DT who is a great run stopper, and either Chavous (Min) or Archuleta (St.L) at SS. If we do this... and draft a good pass rushing DT like Maholena (that is who most draft experts expect us to get at this point) our defense will be ready to go.

Release Thornton... Robinson can be a passing down DT, and Askew can continue to try to get his act together. This would be a superbowl defense to go with our already proven superbowl offense. Things look good for the future...

Who Dey?!!

Ugh, I don't want Hovan...he's undersized (listed at 295) and I don't think he's ever been a 'run stopper'. He hasn't played very well in Tampa either.

Couldn't be further from the truth! His knack on the line is stopping the run... and if you look on TB forums, they attribure their good rushing defense almost entirely to him. They are afraid though that they won't be able to re-sign him for whatever reason... so since that's what we need... why not?

[ShulaSteakhouse]

Get Levi and Steiney taken care of, then we can pick and choose wisely on YOUNG FA's....

I agree. We have no lineman signed after the 2006 season. It's time to extend those guys now (or when the supposed free money is available) so they aren't more expensive down the road. The hell with the signing FA defensive guys, we have rookies and sophomore's out the ying-yang starting the front seven and our secondary is the best in the league. We're just a little young on defense with acquisitions via the draft.

After all, with the personnel we have now, we're 9-3. What else do we "need" that we won't get through the team we already have and the drafts that Marvin has impressed the hell out of us with?

Best secondary in the league? Not even close. Worst safeties in the league alone lose that title I think.

Young defense? At least 6 out of 11 starters on this defense have 5+ years in the league - that's not young at all.

Averaging 30+ points per game given up the last 3 weeks, giving up 29 to the putrid Ravens, and having close calls with Houston and Green Bay (at home even) are enough, alone, to justify some overhaul.

That 9-3 record will turn to 6-6 real quick next year unless they do something about upgrading the defense.

The defense sucks - period - not good - just like Indy had for 2-3 years before they became an actual SB contender this year.

We're only talking about 1-2 solid FA starters - you can still extend o-lineman and do that, geesh.

[AMC]

Why go outside and overpay for someone when you are 9-3.

For the same reason the Colts went and threw a boatload of money at Corey Simon. Because sometimes it makes sense; gives you that last piece or two you need. And there is still clearly work to be done on defense in Cincy. Some of that work will no doubt be done with current players (like, hopefully, Askew), some through the draft next April, and some through free agency.

Valid point Joisey!

[Kirkendall]

Best secondary in the league? Not even close. Worst safeties in the league alone lose that title I think.

Doesn't interceptions mean anything to you? And our starting safeties have been out the better part of the season. Most of the passing numbers are inflated due to quick leads by the Bengals offense and admittedly, the big play. But this secondary is one of the best in the league.

Young defense? At least 6 out of 11 starters on this defense have 5+ years in the league - that's not young at all.

Of which Geathers, Shaun Smith, Madieu Williams, David Pollack, Keiwan Ratliff, Landon Johnson, Odell Thurman are all either sophomores and rookies and all have started at least one game this season (with the exception of Ratliff). Wouldn't you agree all will be the foundation of the defense?

Averaging 30+ points per game given up the last 3 weeks, giving up 29 to the putrid Ravens, and having close calls with Houston and Green Bay (at home even) are enough, alone, to justify some overhaul.

We were up 34 points midway through the third quarter. This game was already over before the Ravens scored. The Colts game, like last season's Browns game was just a crazy shootout; with a Colts defense that was "good" with Simon. We beat the holy hell out of Big Ben and all things considered, he had one of his worst games of his career by his Steelers philosophy standards. I don't understand your Houston and Green Bay reference though. Or are you grasping at straws.. again.

We're only talking about 1-2 solid FA starters - you can still extend o-lineman and do that, geesh.

OK. Please, with what you've seen through the Marvin era, tell me who those will be. This comes up every year, and every year, everyone concludes "in Marvin we trust". Same ol' story, much better results using his philosophy.

That 9-3 record will turn to 6-6 real quick next year unless they do something about upgrading the defense.

How? Because we're 9-3 with 3 players that were lost to injury since the start of the season. So please, explain how.

[alleycat]

Anyone have any thoughts or leads when taking into account the cap space of other teams if their might be some cap casualties after this year that would be more attractive than the current crop of upcomming ho-hum free agents.

[HoosierCat]

Anyone have any thoughts or leads when taking into account the cap space of other teams if their might be some cap casualties after this year that would be more attractive than the current crop of upcomming ho-hum free agents.

Well, I'd start by looking at the teams listed in the initial post that re way over the cap:

The Jets and Raiders each exceed $120 million, and the Broncos have more than $118 million committed to next season.

The Chiefs are at $114 million, and the Redskins are at $112 million.

Despite a serious purge in 2005, the Titans are at $102 million.

The Falcons are a hair under $102 million, and the Bucs are at $100 million.

The other teams currently north of the anticipated spending limit are the Fins ($97 million) and the Steelers ($96 million).

There's talk that the Jets might let John Abraham walk; there's been no luck on reaching a deal with him. He has injury issues but is a force when healthy. Lavar Arrington is likely gone from DC. Bucs fans, as mentioned, don't seem to think they'll be able to afford Hovan, who has played well for them.

[ShulaSteakhouse]

Kirk - appreciate your responses and that's fine - my point is just that i don't think it's a revelation that our safeties stink without Madeiu. With him, they still need another safety.

There's also an almost equal mix of young players and veterans on defense. I think "young defense" is a bit of a misconception here.

When you have a lot of $ to spend and are selling out games, and can land an impact defensive player or two, why would you not do it? This defense cannot expect to be +24 in TO's every year.

That may change if this team somehow goes to the SB, but if not, and you're that close, you need to do what it takes $ wise to get to the next level quickly - you only get so many chances, that can all go away quickly with an injury to Palmer.

I suppose that is my point above.

[Kirkendall]

We'll see.

And I'd love to pick up an impact player -- who wouldn't? I think the analysis of what this defense will be is still incomplete with the contributions and playing time our younger core is getting (which is what I mean by young defense).

I do agree we need a safety, something bad. But I think that approach will be used in the draft -- and a DT also; as has happened every single off-season. I just don't see this team going after the big-names for too long, unless that player wants to come to Cincy and isn't in the middle of a bidding war -- Marvin's Bengals has shown they will back off any bid for any player if the costs don't justify the purchase.

BTW, expect a shutout the next three games.

But I think you could make a claim the Bengals defense has enabled the Bengals to win more games...... the offense gets a lot of credit, but the defense is putting the offense in position to score a lot of points.